Legal protection

Protection from discrimination

In the UK, it is illegal for anyone to treat you less well simply because of your sexual orientation or gender identity. Young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning (LGBTQ) are protected by the Equality Act 2010 and by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

Knowing your rights can help you protect yourself from discrimination, or get help from others to do so. The UNCRC applies to all children and young people up to the age of 18. It covers four key areas.

Provision: there should be things for children and young people to do, including educational and leisure facilities, and other services for children and young people.

Protection: the government must make effective and proportionate arrangements to protect children and young people from harm.

Participation: children and young people have the right to their own opinion and to have a say in decisions about their lives.

Privacy: confidentiality is important to children and young people and people working with them should think carefully before sharing their personal information.